WE have just celebrated our National Day on August 31, 2021. This year marks the 64th year. For more than half a century, we have been trudged through with a host of ups and downs.
As a matter of fact, the age reminds us that we are no longer young but getting matured with more grey hair. On the other hand, however, age should go in parallel with the growth of wisdom and experience.
As there is a belief, with age comes wisdom and this wisdom essentially broadened our world view and spectrum of life. Of late, the shaky political environment in the country had a ripple effect on our socio-economic life.
It was unprecedented and historical that the government passed the baton to three different premierships in a short span of three years since the last general election and undergone tumultuous situation in handling numerous uphill tasks particularly in tackling strenuous battle with Covid-19 pandemic.
One thing was sure and noticeable, all our leaders strived their level best in bringing the country to the right direction with many different policies and directives. So, it should not in any way deter us from enhancing and boosting the spirit of patriotism.
For the public sector particularly, the Chief Secretary to the Government rightly reminded all civil servants that the government machinery would function as usual as stipulated in our Federal Constitution in spite of political hiccups. The public sector vividly holds on to the principle of neutrality and the rule of law, provide undivided support for the government of the day.
The recent appointment of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as the ninth Prime Minister, gave us a sigh of relief to the nation in ending the political struggle for the time being and the rakyat is hoping and expecting better things to prevail soon.
The emphasis given during the Prime Minister's maiden speech on August 22nd, with the concept of Malaysian Family gives us morale and spiritual boost in what he genuinely wants to embrace as one big family by transcending race, religion and ethnicities.
His key concern is inclusivity that counts the most. His aspiration is essentially echoing the same dream of our forefathers by injecting a new lease of life and requesting all parties let bygone be bygones. The next move for all of us is to step ahead and push forward as one big family.
This is very timely as the rakyat encountering a host of difficulties and hardship in their livelihood ever since Covid-19 started stifling us for nearly two years. Only by embracing one another as one family, can we bring forth the development of this nation together.
This year's Merdeka celebration and subsequently the Malaysia Day on the 16th September will be a significant one for the whole nation with new promises and hope inscribed by our new leader. Nevertheless, success cannot be brought with just one man alone.
We need two hands to clap and make loud noise. This year's Merdeka theme that carries the connotation of care for all or Malaysia Prihatin, emphasises the spirit of patriotism, unity and love for the country which goes in parallel with the aspiration of our beloved Prime Minister's wish; bolstering Malaysian Family.
As such, we as one family, should work hand in hand and give a full support to the Prime Minister by going beyond numerous stumbling blocks facing before us to realise the anticipated results.
Thus, ranging from the public and private sector together with NGOs and all other parties should collectively put our soul and heart and celebrate this year's Merdeka Day with care for all. Only when we care for the nation, can we care for all and care for the self.
Perhaps, appropriate this juncture, we may recall John F. Kennedy's inaugural address on the importance of civic action and public service that "Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country".
The writer is Senior Research Fellow, National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN). He can be contacted at this email address - [email protected]
